Mexican White Trash Casserole

This Mexican White Trash Casserole is a cheesy, comforting, crowd-pleasing dish loaded with seasoned ground beef, crunchy tortilla chips, creamy sauce, corn, beans, and melted cheese. It’s an easy weeknight dinner packed with bold Tex-Mex flavor and perfect for feeding a hungry family.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup frozen or canned corn
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 cups crushed tortilla chips or Doritos
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional Toppings

• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños
• Green onions
• Diced avocado
• Salsa or guacamole

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened.
3. Add garlic and ground beef. Cook until browned, then drain excess grease.
4. Stir in taco seasoning, Rotel tomatoes, corn, black beans, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Mix until creamy and heated through.
5. Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips into the baking dish.
6. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the chips and sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese.
7. Repeat layers with remaining chips, beef mixture, and cheese.
8. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
9. Let cool slightly before serving. Add desired toppings and enjoy.

Tips

• Use spicy Doritos for extra flavor and crunch.
• Ground turkey or shredded chicken can replace beef.
• Add diced bell peppers for more vegetables.
• For extra heat, mix in jalapeños or hot sauce.

Q/A

Q1: Why is it called “White Trash Casserole”?

It’s a casual Southern-style comfort food nickname for easy, budget-friendly casseroles made with simple pantry ingredients.

Q2: Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole ahead and bake when ready to serve.

Q3: Can I freeze it?

Yes, freeze before baking for up to 2 months.

Q4: What side dishes go well with it?

Mexican rice, salad, guacamole, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.

Q5: Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. Replace the beef with extra beans, corn, and sautéed vegetables.